22 school shootings in 2018 alone...and the year isn't even half way over yet. That is appalling and it needs to stop. Let's just come out and say it, this is not a situation of who should or shouldn't be armed. This is a situation where you should be asking schools: Why aren't there any logical actions being taken place in response to these unfortunate events? Schools should be taking proactive precautions to refrain from this number skyrocketing any further.
Why aren't school boards calling for emergency meetings to create action plans to stop these horrific events?
Because they have the mentality of, "It won't happen to us." Well, it can and very easily, unfortunately. Might as well have a contingency plan ready.
A simple solution to all of this is to first and foremost block that rifle from even stepping a foot into the school.
I have two words for you: metal detectors.
If we have to go through them to board a plane safely, enter a hospital, bank, or court room, we might as well have them to enter a school safely. Sure, metal detectors might have some juvenile connotations to them, however, I would rather have all my peers and the community walking through them to solidify my safety.
I know my high school would lock the entrance doors after school started which wouldn't allow some stranger to just walk in. Yet, the doors were unlocked before and after school for people to freely walk through.
The physical presence of the metal detectors can make a positive impact. They will serve as a constant reminder that the building is being monitored and a potential attacker will be caught immediately. Also, If metal detectors are implemented in every school, this dissolves the criticism of targeting schools heavily populated with minorities. Everyone is accounted for and everyone can feel safe going to school.
Now, this is probably where you might have the rebuttal, "We don't have the school funding to place metal detectors in our school." Yes, it is a security investment, but you can cut back the funding from updating the football stadium. I assure you, the football team would rather be alive than have an updated stadium. Now, don't get me wrong, I do understand how restrictive some budgets are for schools. In some cases, you'll see teachers working in classrooms with supplies on their dime. Still, schools are very capable of having fundraisers in order to purchase metal detectors.
This action plan shouldn't be limited to just primary and secondary education, but to also colleges. Cover all bases. Make learning environments as safe as possible.
Make it happen.
Step up your safety, school boards, your students' lives depend on it.